Funder: National Research Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Applicant closing) | September 2027 (DA submission to NRF)
Funding Amounts: Six or twelve months of support at the same value as the applicant’s 2026 funding
Summary: Supports NRF-funded master’s and doctoral students completing their degrees beyond the original funding period under exceptional circumstances.
Key Information: Only full-time students studying in South Africa qualify, and current supervisor support is mandatory.
Description
The National Research Foundation (NRF) provides extension support for master’s and doctoral scholarship-holders who need additional time to complete their research under exceptional circumstances. The 2027 academic-year program supports continuation of the NRF-approved project, with applications assessed on progress achieved, reasons for delay, and a credible plan for completing the degree during the requested extension.
The broader postgraduate funding program supports research at South African public universities across Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems. Funding is guided by equity and redress, academic merit, financial need, and national transformation priorities. Extension recipients must remain responsible for the approved research objectives, methodology, and work plan.
